ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Kroger union employees voted to accept the company's latest contract on Wednesday.
The tentative agreement was reached last month after union representatives negotiated with the grocery chain.
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The agreement covers 5,100 associates in Virginia from Bristol east to Appomattox and from Martinsville north to Harrisonburg, and three stores in Kingsport/Johnson City, TN and two stores in the Bluefield WV area.
Had the employees not accepted the contract, they could have voted to strike.
"We are pleased to reach an agreement that is good for our associates," said Joe Fey, the president of the Mid-Atlantic Division, in a press release. "This new contract provides wage increases, affordable health care and ongoing investment in our associates' pension fund to support their retirement.
"This agreement comes after thoughtful and productive work by both the company and the union bargaining committees," continued Fey. "I appreciate our associates for supporting the agreement and for the excellent service they provide our customers every day."
The new agreement includes higher pay, affordable health care options and pension support for associates.